AACN News—December 2003—Chapters

Vol. 20, No. 12, DECEMBER 2003

Chapter Recruitment Continues to BuildFlorida's Volusia Flagler Chapter increased
its lead in AACN's Critical Links membership drive by recruiting five more new
members during October to bring its total recruitment figure to 31 since the
campaign began May 1. With the combined efforts of chapters and individuals, the
overall campaign total stood at 2,204 new members at the halfway point.

The chapters recruiting the most new
members and reporting the largest percentage increase when the campaign ends
March 31 will each receive a $250 gift certificate toward the purchase of AACN
resources. In addition, participating chapters are entered into a prize drawing
each month for one complimentary NTI registration. The winner for October was
the Mobile Bay Area Chapter.

In the Circle: Award Cites
Outstanding Communications ProgramsPart of the AACN Circle of Excellence
recognition program, the Outstanding Chapter Communication System Award
spotlights chapters that exemplify effective communication and promote AACN's
messages in the chapter or in the community. Following are excerpts from
exemplars submitted in connection with this award for 2003.

Greater Akron Area ChapterAkron, OhioThe dedicated members of the Greater Akron
Area Chapter of AACN are the heart and soul of communication. The chapter has
effectively used a variety of communication techniques�oral, written, printed
and digital�to encourage and promote participation and to assist in the process
of lifelong learning. Like the "ripple effect," the chapter's messages have
stirred up small waves within the local critical care nursing community and have
had a profound impact on recruitment, educational programming and community
service.

As a new chapter, much was accomplished in
less than a year. Our growth can largely be attributed to the use of effective
and varied forms of communication. Whether on the Web, through a needs
assessment, utilizing facility liaisons, creating visual display boards,
networking with other chapters, collaborating with other organizations and
institutions, or providing health education on the bus, the GAAC has maintained
outstanding communication with its members and the community. Our voice was heard in a positive manner
and has produced a ripple effect for the sake of our patients and the nursing
profession.

By loudly proclaiming in a bold voice who
we are and what we do, the Greater Akron Area Chapter communicates its
commitment to providing the highest quality resources to maximize nurses'
contributions to caring and improving the healthcare of critically ill patients
and their families. Although our activities may only be like a pebble dropped
into the water, which makes a splash and is gone, there are many ripples
circling on and on.

Houston Gulf Coast ChapterHouston, TexasBased on the concept that personal
relationships modeled by the leadership stimulate individuals to take ownership
in their organizations, the Circle of Influence Program provides a structure for
the Houston Gulf Coast Chapter to promote a practice of inclusivity.

Each chapter member already has a circle of
influence in the group of people he or she interacts with often enough to impact
their professional behavior. Providing members with information creates a
networking system that promotes our chapter throughout Houston's professional
healthcare community.

The program encourages personal interaction
and support among critical care nurses, decreasing the sense of isolation and
frustration with "the system" that often plagues our specialty. It also creates
a welcoming environment for new members, encouraging them to apply their talents
and develop into nursing leaders.

The president-elect and Membership
Committee specifically inform new members about the program. A welcome e-packet
describing the program objectives, responsibilities and benefits of becoming a
Circle Leader, board member demographics, the chapter Web site link and a Circle
Note is sent out within a week of initial contact. Circle Notes contain
pertinent information on upcoming chapter meetings, educational programs, and
committee activities, as well as notices of individual chapter members'
professional achievements, and educational offerings sponsored by other nursing
organizations that network with HGCC.

Circle Leaders promote the chapter! Monthly
meeting attendance has more than doubled, with attendance by more than 70 RNs
common. With more than 200 individuals listed on the Circle Leader database, the
goal of involving 75% of the chapter membership in an active networking system
has been surpassed.

Mock One Up for Critical Care NursingCritical care nurse Sandy Stuart performs a
mock code as (from left) Diane Crichton, Jane Kwilecki and Kim Martin stand by
during a lifestyles festival attended by more than 18,000 people in the Daytona
Beach, Fla., area. With the support of sponsors and donations by equipment
vendors, the Volusia-Flagler Chapter of AACN set up this ICU demonstration,
complete with specialty bed, ventilator, ICP monitor, defibrillator, heart
monitor, IV Pumps, VAC, tube feeding and an AED. Chapter members volunteered to
staff the booth and teach the public what critical care nurses do.

Save the DateAttention chapter leaders! The
annual Chapter Leadership Development Workshop is scheduled for Sunday, May 17,
in connection with NTI 2004 in Orlando, Fla. Watch for details, but in the
meantime save the date.

What's on Tap

CaribbeanThe South Bay Chapter in San Jose, Calif.,
is sponsoring an Eastern Caribbean Cruise Jan. 4 through 11. The speaker is
Maureen Harvey. CE credits are available in connection with this program. For
more information, contact Kay Burtress at (800) 347-6136; e-mail, ,
or Liana Hain at (831) 251-2555; e-mail, .

IndianaThe Greater Evansville Chapter will present
a program titled "Advanced Practice Nursing Experiences" on Jan. 15 at Jasper
Memorial Hospital. For more information or to register, contact Kathy Burton at
(800) 852-7279.

New YorkThe Brooklyn Chapter will present a program
titled "Enhanced External Counterpulsation-EECP" on Dec. 18 at the Brookdale
University Hospital and Medical Center. For more information, contact .

PennsylvaniaThe Greater Reading Chapter will present a
program titled "LVAD" on Jan. 14. For more information, e-mail Karen Willard at
.

TexasThe Abilene Area Chapter will present a
program titled "CCRN Review and New Concepts" on Dec. 15 and 16 at Hendrick
Medical Center. For more information, contact Paulita Narag at (325) 670-2735;
e-mail, .

Is your chapter planning a program or
special event? Submit your information online; e-mail, .